VITA training is a qualified CE Credit course, is an unmatched experience, and is free!
At North Texas Area United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, volunteers must complete IRS certifications exams. Volunteers learn to prepare Federal and State income tax returns using professional tax preparation software. In addition, volunteers develop and enhance a number of soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership which are considered valuable to entry-level accounting and business professionals. Volunteers are also able to build a solid resume after participating in VITA.
Volunteering in the VITA program is an excellent opportunity for all to gain exposure to income taxes prior to having to file their own taxes once employed. In addition, this will increase students’ chances of being successful in college especially in any financial or business courses they choose to take. For students that have already completed a course in taxation, this program provides them an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have gained from that class to a real-world context. Volunteers can also receive accounting internship credits for participating in VITA.
Personalized recommendations from NTAUW VITA Directors
Enhanced resume
Letter of Community Service on your college letterhead
Nationally recognized certifications to prepare individual tax returns
Personal IRS Recognition Certificate for those who complete 150 volunteer hours or more
A great place to meet new friends and network
A chance to gain managerial experience
Each year students successfully plan and implement the policies and procedures required to coordinate a VITA site during tax season. These students undertake various duties and levels of responsibility while gaining practical work experience in a professional environment serving the public. Students learn how to utilize the professional tax software, TaxSlayer. Theories taught in class are quickly applied to practical situations. In addition, students develop skills such as teamwork, effective communication, customer service, motivation, and making ethical decisions; qualities that businesses are looking for in today’s employees.
The following volunteer positions are available:
Interviewer
This individual will collect all the required documents, provide all necessary information in advance, and prep the client(s) before they meet with the tax preparer.
Preparer
This individual will be responsible for preparing the tax return.
Quality Reviewer
This individual will review the tax return for accuracy and ensure that it matches the documents presented.
Coordinator
This individual will oversee all tax returns; ensure all volunteers meet the Federal requirements. They will also be responsible to train shift managers.
Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will enhance your resume and also provide you with valuable hands-on tax preparation experience. Volunteers will participate in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at North Texas Area United Way for the 2025 tax-filing season. Volunteers will learn how to prepare income tax returns using professional tax preparation software. Volunteers will also receive certification as IRS Certified volunteer tax preparers. No prior income tax knowledge or exposure is necessary.
Volunteers will receive ALL the necessary training (tax law and tax software) before the tax season begins. In addition, volunteers will develop a number of other skills such as problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership that are considered valuable to entry-level positions for business professionals.
For students, this is an excellent opportunity for you to gain exposure to income taxes prior to getting your first job or completing a college course in taxation. In addition, this will increase your chances of being successful in life as office skills, people skills, and tax prep are invaluable life skills. If you have already taken an income tax course, this is a chance to apply the knowledge that you have gained from that class.
Feel free to contact the NTAUW VITA Program Director at 940-322-8638 Ext 12 for more information.